Capsized oil rig operating illegally on Nigerian waters since 2016, says NIMASA

• Seplat confirms collapse of ‘Majestic’ rig in Delta killing one
• Oborevwori sympathises with company over mishap

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) yesterday, disclosed that the oil rig, which capsized on Tuesday at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State, had been operating on the nation’s waters illegally since 2016

In a press statement by the Head, Public Relations of the agency, Osagie Edward, on Wednesday, he said the Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, had been operating since 2016 without requisite approvals from the regulatory Agency.

According to him, NIMASA has, however, dispatched a team of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers to the scene of the incident.

“In line with the mandate of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, which includes safe shipping and cleaner oceans, a team comprising of Search and Rescue and marine accident investigation officers have been dispatched to the scene of the incident involving the Majestic Rig belonging to Depthwize Nigeria Limited, which capsized at Ovhor in Warri, Delta State.

“Initial findings confirmed that the ill-fated Rig is Panama Flagged and has been operating on Nigerian waters since 2016 without requisite approvals from the Agency.

“The ABS Classed inland Water Drilling 232 feet-long Barge, with a rated drilling depth of 30,000 feet collapsed where it was been towed from N04, 30:34 / E00543:57 enroute Ovhor 21 that belongs to SEPLAT Oil field in Delta State.

Following the collapse of an oil rig known as ‘Majestic’, near Ovhor oilfield, in Sapele Council of Delta State, on Tuesday, one person reportedly died in the incident, while three others went missing.

Confirming the incident, the Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, Roger Brown, in a statement, on Tuesday, said the rig was contracted by the Seplat/Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) joint venture when the incident occurred.

“The rig was in transit to its planned drilling location at Ovhor, when it collapsed.

“Ninety-two out of 96-member crew are accounted for and safe. However, one fatality occurred during the incident, while three other rig personnel are still missing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the crew member who sadly lost his life, and the three others who are still missing at the time of this report.”

Seplat said its emergency response and rescue response working alongside the rig owner and authorities had been activated.

“Our utmost priority will continue to be the safety and well-being of all affected personnel and their families. We will provide further details as our understanding of the incident develops. A detailed investigation into the cause of the accident will follow,” Brown said.

Meanwhile, the Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, extended his heartfelt condolences to Seplat, following the unfortunate rig collapse.

Oborevwori, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, described the incident as tragic, commiserating with the company, as well as family members of the deceased.

He urged the company to take urgent steps in its search for missing crewmembers and launch an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the rig.

The governor said: “I am deeply shocked to hear the sad incident of your oil rig collapsing on the way to a planned drilling location, and the death of one crew member with three others still missing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as the family and friends of the crew member who lost his life.”